Registration & Licensing Requirements
Alabama State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.
State Laws
You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 6 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.
Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.
Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.
Registering Vehicles in Alabama
Active duty military personnel and their family members with valid vehicle registration from their original state need not register their vehicles in the state of Alabama. Newcomers who are not active duty military or their family members have 30 days upon establishing residency to change their out-of-state vehicle registration.
To register your vehicle, you must submit a certificate of title, vehicle registration, and possibly a bill of sale to the License Commissioner's Office on the first floor of the Madison County Courthouse or one of the satellite offices between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, call (256) 532-3310.
Boat Registration
All boats operating in Alabama waterways must be registered with the state. When you apply for an Alabama driver's license, you may also request a boat operator's license. Persons operating without boat licenses will be fined if caught.
Alabama Driver's License
Military personnel and their family members with valid driver's licenses from their original state need not obtain an Alabama license while the sponsor is on active duty.
Retired military and their family members and civilian employees have 30 days after they establish residency to obtain a driver's license. The application process in Huntsville is administered only at the Department of Examiners at 1115A Church Street from 8 am - noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The test is $5 (cash) and the license is $23. Without a valid license from another state, the newcomer must take vision, written and driving tests.
Those moving in from out of state must present a valid driver's license, birth certificate, passport, military identification card, voter registration, or school record. Newcomers taking the Alabama driver's test must take a vision test and present a certified document of identification.
Those under 19 years of age applying for a learner's permit must have a certified birth certificate, a school enrollment form, and a Social Security card.
For more information, call (256) 539-0681.
Registering Vehicles on Post
Permanent personnel, including civilian employees and contractors, are required to register their vehicle on Redstone Arsenal. It is required that personal information and a video image be entered in the automated database. Documents required for registration are:
- a security badge or military identification card
- valid driver's license
- proof of ownership (tag receipt, bill of sale, or title)
For more information, contact (256) 876-5770.
Visitor's Pass -- Visitor's passes and identification badges are issued at the Registration and Identification Office, Bldg 3423, Gray Road. All vehicles operated at Redstone Arsenal and firearms on Redstone Arsenal must be registered at the Registration and Identification Office. For more information, call (256) 876-5770.
Note from MiitaryAvenue.com
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